Poppodium De Effenaar can organize parties for the next two years that last until eight o’clock in the morning. That writes Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem of Eindhoven. The extension of the opening hours is part of a trial to make the nightlife in Eindhoven more vibrant.
That reports Studio040. The closing time for the pop venue on Friday night and Saturday night is now four o’clock in the morning. For those two nights, that will be extended by four hours. During the test, we will see how this goes. In the past, De Effenaar was only allowed to remain open until the early morning occasionally.
The exemption is subject to all kinds of requirements, for example in the field of safety and drug use. The wider opening should also ensure an ‘enrichment of the cultural offer’. De Effenaar has met those requirements, the mayor writes.
“We are happy that this is possible. This is a great opportunity for us and also for Eindhoven. It is really only for Saturday and Sunday, we have agreed that with the neighborhood”, responds Robert Schaffer of De Effenaar.
More vibrant nightlife
For years, entrepreneurs in the catering and event industry have been lobbying for more options at night. GroenLinks and D66 also submitted a proposal to make more possible at night. For example, opening hours should be extended, inside and outside the center. Various parties and entrepreneurs also believe that the nightlife should be more diverse, with more variety in parties and events.
The lobby has led to a number of tests, in which temporary permission is given for extended opening hours. The Effenaar has now been given that opportunity.
Hospitality policy
For the longer term, the Eindhoven city council will also look at more options for catering entrepreneurs, at the request of a majority of the city council. Those plans will be reflected in a new catering policy, which will be presented next year.